Robert Murray Polen was born on Wednesday, October 13, 1926 in Washington Pennsylvania, to parents Walter and Wretha (Murray) Polen. One of eight children, his childhood years were during the great depression. At a young age, Bob learned how you live will leave a mark on the earth and to live life frugal. Not having much as a family, he spent countless hours fishing with family and friends. Bob graduated from the eighth grade.
Serving in the United States Marine Corp during World War II, from June 13, 1944 to July 10, 1946, Bob’s tour was ended when he courageously fought for nine days, before being wounded during the battle on Imo Jima, Japan. His heroic efforts awarded him the Purple Heart and being honorable discharged.
Bob’s entire career was spent working in glass factories in New York and Oklahoma. Moving to Minnesota in 1965, he continued his trade for Anchor Glass in Shakopee for over 25 years. While working one day, Bob watched a beautiful young woman walk down the steps. He leaned over to a co-worker and stated, “She is the one!” Finding the love of his life, Bob married Patricia Brady on August 23, 1958 in upstate New York. They were blessed with a daughter, Michele and two sons, Justin and Morgan.
Establishing their roots in Prior Lake, Bob’s family bought a home on the lake. This allowed them to create precious memories of fishing, snowmobiling, swimming and picnics by the water. Their home was always the center for gathering of family and friends.
Life drastically changed for Bob, with the passing of his wife, Patricia on July 3, 1983 from cancer. His life was rocked again on December 14, 2009, when his son, Justin passed away. Through these difficult times, Bob stayed strong. Putting others needs first, he was a strong advocate and volunteered for the Scott County CAP Agency, for many years. Bob loved to help others in need. In his free time, Bob enjoyed playing the ponies at Canterbury Park.
A quiet and reserved husband, father and grandfather, Bob was compassionate, nonjudgmental and generous. A resident of Prior Lake, Bob Polen, age 85, was reunited with his wife and son in heaven on Wednesday, March 14, 2012.
Forever loved, Robert will be deeply missed by his daughter, Michele (Tom) Volavka of Bloomington; son, Morgan Polen of Milpitas, California; grandchildren, Jared (Joanna) Volavka, Amy Volavka, Marissa Polen, Cade Polen, Kena Polen; sisters, Louise Vander Hoven of New York, Barbara (Pete) Sweet of New York; brother-in-law, Tom Dzierzanowski of New York; many other relatives and friends.
Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; son, Justin Polen; parents, Walter and Wretha; sisters, Cheryl Dziersanowski, Donnis (Delroy) Haen, Phyllis (Ralph) Marquart, Hannah Polen; brother, Walter Jr. Polen; and brother-in-law, Joe Weisbeck.
The Celebration of Life Service will be on Wednesday, March 21at 12:00 pm (noon), with visitation two hours prior all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake, with full military honors provided by the Prior Lake Volunteer Rifle Squad. Pastor A. Paul will officiate.
Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Bob’s memory by the family.
The Polen family is served with honor, care and compassion
by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake Chapel.
